And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
I visited Hong Kong on business (maybe) six times over the years. The old airport was in the middle of the city and was a pretty scary thing to land there.
In and out of Kai Tak a lot in the early 90s....great fun flying below the skyscrapers. Not. Star Ferry out to the island for a day. Bar hopping in Tsim Sha Tsui, don't miss Ned Kelly's. All sadly just memories now; I'm sure today's reality wouldn't stand up especially with the ChiComs in control. China just as it re-opened (90) was a wonderful place.
Hi Dan, Hong Kong was a British possession. The AVG was based in Kunming which was over 400 miles to the West and they were under the orders of the Chinese who weren't going to assist the British. I have this book on a shelf somewhere, it's a good read. https://www.amazon.ca/Ding-Hao-Americas-China-1937-1945/dp/0882892533 Al_in_Ottawa
Ah drat. That's what I get for trusting my porous memory; I'm usually better than that. Thanks for the book recommendation as well! Another excellent source is A Flying Tiger's Diary by Charles Bond with a co-write by Terry Anderson. https://www.tamupress.com/book/9780890964088/a-flying-tigers-diary/ (Likely cheaper elsewhere)
I've been a few times and loved it every time but fear China will wreck it eventually. Flew into Kai Tak in 1979 and it was pretty cool with washing lines seemingly just off the wing tip.
I visited Hong Kong on business (maybe) six times over the years. The old airport was in the middle of the city and was a pretty scary thing to land there.
ReplyDeleteKai Tak Airport--landed and a few days later left (1963)
DeleteThe checkerboard approach was ... exciting.
DeleteIn and out of Kai Tak a lot in the early 90s....great fun flying below the skyscrapers. Not. Star Ferry out to the island for a day. Bar hopping in Tsim Sha Tsui, don't miss Ned Kelly's. All sadly just memories now; I'm sure today's reality wouldn't stand up especially with the ChiComs in control. China just as it re-opened (90) was a wonderful place.
DeleteAt one time and I mean many many years ago, those planes would be P 40 kitty Hawks from the AVG
ReplyDeleteHi Dan, Hong Kong was a British possession. The AVG was based in Kunming which was over 400 miles to the West and they were under the orders of the Chinese who weren't going to assist the British. I have this book on a shelf somewhere, it's a good read.
Deletehttps://www.amazon.ca/Ding-Hao-Americas-China-1937-1945/dp/0882892533
Al_in_Ottawa
Ah drat. That's what I get for trusting my porous memory; I'm usually better than that.
DeleteThanks for the book recommendation as well! Another excellent source is A Flying Tiger's Diary by Charles Bond with a co-write by Terry Anderson.
https://www.tamupress.com/book/9780890964088/a-flying-tigers-diary/
(Likely cheaper elsewhere)
My favorite district in Hong Kong... Suits, bars, jewelry and electronics. FOOD! But that was 30 years ago...
ReplyDeleteI've been a few times and loved it every time but fear China will wreck it eventually. Flew into Kai Tak in 1979 and it was pretty cool with washing lines seemingly just off the wing tip.
DeleteDakota Viking: You forgot one of the prime things that were available... Women. And I mean ready, willing and able women... for a price.
Delete